Cara Lai

About

Dr. Cara Lai is a rising orthopedic researcher whose work centers on the complex interplay between spinopelvic mechanics and lower extremity alignment in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Her key research areas include femoral version abnormalities, spinal deformity, and their collective impact on surgical outcomes. In her highly cited 2022 study, "Abnormal Spinopelvic Motion and Spine Deformity are Associated With Native Femoral Retroversion in the Setting of Total Hip Arthroplasty," Dr. Lai demonstrated that patients with pathologic spinopelvic motion and spinal deformity exhibit significantly higher rates of native femoral retroversion—a critical finding for preoperative planning. This work, which has already garnered 6 citations, challenges conventional assumptions about femoral version variability and underscores the need for individualized surgical approaches. By linking spinal pathology to femoral alignment, Dr. Lai’s research provides surgeons with actionable insights to reduce complications like dislocation and impingement. Her contributions are shaping a more holistic understanding of hip-spine relationships, making her a notable voice in contemporary arthroplasty research.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Abnormal Spinopelvic Motion and Spine Deformity are Associated With Native Femoral Retroversion in the Setting of Total Hip Arthroplasty

   6 citations · 2022

Key Collaborators

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